Thursday, November 6, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
What's He Doing?
Bob Herbert's NYT column today nails it on the head: What is our beloved Barack Obama doing? Why is he abandoning not only the progressive principles which ignited his initial support, but also the base that carried him to the nomination?
As Herbert writes, "Only an idiot would think or hope that a politician going through the crucible of a presidential campaign could hold fast to every position, steer clear of the stumbling blocks of nuance and never make a mistake. But Barack Obama went out of his way to create the impression that he was a new kind of political leader — more honest, less cynical and less relentlessly calculating than most... This is why so many of Senator Obama’s strongest supporters are uneasy, upset, dismayed and even angry at the candidate who is now emerging in the bright light of summer. One issue or another might not have made much difference... But Senator Obama is not just tacking gently toward the center. He’s lurching right when it suits him, and he’s zigging with the kind of reckless abandon that’s guaranteed to cause disillusion, if not whiplash. So there he was in Zanesville, Ohio, pandering to evangelicals by promising not just to maintain the Bush program of investing taxpayer dollars in religious-based initiatives, but to expand it. Separation of church and state? Forget about it. And there he was, in the midst of an election campaign in which the makeup of the Supreme Court is as important as it has ever been, agreeing with Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas that the death penalty could be imposed for crimes other than murder... “What’s he doing?” is the most common question heard recently from Obama supporters."
Monday, July 7, 2008
I Get It
Symphony Space, on 95th and Broadway, is having a summer celebration of the films of Bette Davis and Katharine Hepburn: Feisty and Fabulous. Each weekend offers a great double feature.Last night, I saw 2 Hepburn flics- Pat and Mike, and Adam's Rib. Ahead of her time? Katharine Hepburn is still ahead of her time, 55 years later! I've seen Hepburn in movies before, and Spencer Tracy, too. But I didn't get it until last night. What it is, I don't know. But whatever it is, I finally got it.
If you're in NY, it's worth your while. And cheap, too-- $11 for 2 movies.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
One For The Everglades
A victory for the planet, a victory for us all!
Who knows which forces were behind this, but good for you, Gov. Crist!
Read about it in today's NYT.
Who knows which forces were behind this, but good for you, Gov. Crist!
Read about it in today's NYT.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Be Scared. Be Very, Very Scared.
Lynne Spears must be so proud! She's a grandmother for the third time. Mazel Tov!
White Picket Fences
An interesting dilemma to consider on this fine Thursday morning.
Slate has written an article about how homosexuals have fought to prove their orientation was not a choice, and science has corroborated their claims. But now... well, they said it better than I can. Here's a chunk:
A new study, published Monday in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, hints at what's coming. Previous gay-brain studies focused on structures or responses that might have been shaped by social interactions. To screen out social factors, authors of the new study relied on brain scans rather than behavioral responses, and they targeted structures known to form during or shortly after gestation...
The sample consisted of 25 straight men, 25 straight women, 20 gay men, and 20 lesbians. In overall symmetry and amygdala activity, the brains of gay men resembled the brains of straight women, whereas the brains of lesbians resembled the brains of straight men... The broader implication, one expert argues, is that "in gay men, the brain is feminized."
Are the differences genetic? Not likely. "As to the genetic factors, the current view is that they may play a role in male homosexuality, but they seem to be insignificant for female homosexuality," the authors conclude. "Genetic factors, therefore, appear less probable as the major common denominator for all group differences observed here."
So, what's the common factor? If the study's design rules out learned influences, and if the results in women rule out genetics, that leaves what the authors call "hormonal influences" or noncognitive differences in the infant environment. According to the Guardian, the same research team has "begun another study to investigate brain symmetry in newborn babies, to see if it can be used to predict their future sexual orientation." If it can, that will scratch postnatal factors off the list, and the search will narrow to hormones in the womb. Already, the authors point to evidence that homosexuality may be caused by "under-exposure to prenatal androgens" in males and "over-exposure" in females.
Where science leads, technology follows. Two years ago, scientists in Oregon reported an attempt to "interfere with defeminization of adult sexual partner preferences" in sheep. Their method, as they described it, was to alter hormonal inputs in pregnant ewes "during the period of gestation when the sheep brain is maximally sensitive to the behavior-modifying effects of exogenous testosterone." When the attempt failed, they concluded that the dosage should be increased.
Would hormonal intervention work in humans? Should we try it? Some thinkers are intrigued. Last year, the Rev. Albert Mohler Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, wrote: "If a biological basis is found, and if a prenatal test is then developed, and if a successful treatment to reverse the sexual orientation to heterosexual is ever developed, we would support its use." Mohler told the Associated Press that morally, this would be no different from curing fetal blindness or any other "medical problem." The Rev. Joseph Fessio, editor of the press that publishes the pope's work, agreed: "Same-sex activity is considered disordered. If there are ways of detecting diseases or disorders of children in the womb … that respected the dignity of the child and mother, it would be a wonderful advancement of science."
If the idea of chemically suppressing homosexuality in the womb horrifies you, I have bad news: You won't be in the room when it happens. Parents control medical decisions, and surveys indicate that the vast majority of them would be upset to learn that their child was gay. Already, millions are screening embryos and fetuses to eliminate those of the "wrong" sex. Do you think they won't screen for the "wrong" sexual orientation, too?"
Let's digest this, let's be very honest, and very frank.
I was raised by a mother who told us that if she had become pregnant with a seriously disabled child, she would probably have aborted it. I remember discussing the issue when a Catholic family friend refused tests during her pregnancy to check for such "defects" because abortion was out of the question; she was going to have the baby God gave to her.
A mother has every right to determine that she doesn't want to have a child that is disabled, mentally retarded, etc. I am sure there are people who think I'm rather disgusting for holding those views, and they may not be wrong, but I firmly believe in a woman's right to determine the fate of her body and the fate of any child she chooses to bring into this world.
Therefore, I have to accept that some women view homosexuality as an illness, a disease, a disability, and if they can conduct tests to determine the probable sexual orientation of a fetus, and a woman doesn't want to bring that child into the world, she should have that right.
Things get tricky, though, when we start to futz with the baby itself. I've certainly heard of in vitro surgeries performed on fetuses still in the womb, to correct a weak heart, a spinal issue, etc. But how are we to feel about correcting or choosing other characteristics, like gender, sexual orientation?
I think it's safe to say every good parent hopes their child has a life with the fewest obstacles and hardships in their path, and despite great gains for equality, being gay is certainly not something a parent wishes on his child... so should they be able to wish it away?
Should we be able to make sure Billy is good at baseball, so he won't be picked last in gym class? Or good at standardized tests, so he succeeds on his SAT's? Or attractive, so he isn't rejected? Or that he won't have bad acne? Or that he won't have diabetes? Or prostate cancer?
It's really tough to try and parse out what choices are kind and protective, and what choices are just, well, creepy. Designer babies? Is this the future? I mean, yes, it's the future, but how far is too far?
Ultimately, each parent must set her own limits, and people who view homosexuality as a disability will be able to alter their children (for the better). I don't have the ability to bring a child into the world, I don't have to carry it in my womb for nine months, so I don't feel comfortable imposing my own views when I don't have to live with the consequences.
But I offer some thoughts-- not spouted with vitriol-- merely presented for a continued dialogue on this most important topic.
If there's a biological/sociological function gay people fill, how will our society suffer if we weed out our gay brethren? There was an article in New York magazine a year or so ago explaining how in many native cultures with big families, gay sons are often born last, and often help their sisters take care of their children while tending to their elderly parents.
For an already small and marginalized culture, if we decrease the number of gay children, how will that impact the gay kids whose parents didn't alter them? What will their lives be like? They didn't chose to be gay, but their parents chose to keep them that way. What will that mean, for them, and for all of us, if some of our parents made us "perfect" and some of our parents knowingly kept us imperfect?
What would our bookshelves look like, our runways, our theatres, our galleries, our piano scores, without the product of gay artists?
And perhaps most depressing, consider the terribly interesting people we will never get to know because their parents were trying to protect them from a tougher life.
Tough is good. It makes us stronger.
Our greatest selves emerge from the battles that test our limits and nearly break us, but don't.
Remove those fighters from the fight, humanity loses a bit of its luster.
Slate has written an article about how homosexuals have fought to prove their orientation was not a choice, and science has corroborated their claims. But now... well, they said it better than I can. Here's a chunk:
A new study, published Monday in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, hints at what's coming. Previous gay-brain studies focused on structures or responses that might have been shaped by social interactions. To screen out social factors, authors of the new study relied on brain scans rather than behavioral responses, and they targeted structures known to form during or shortly after gestation...
The sample consisted of 25 straight men, 25 straight women, 20 gay men, and 20 lesbians. In overall symmetry and amygdala activity, the brains of gay men resembled the brains of straight women, whereas the brains of lesbians resembled the brains of straight men... The broader implication, one expert argues, is that "in gay men, the brain is feminized."
Are the differences genetic? Not likely. "As to the genetic factors, the current view is that they may play a role in male homosexuality, but they seem to be insignificant for female homosexuality," the authors conclude. "Genetic factors, therefore, appear less probable as the major common denominator for all group differences observed here."
So, what's the common factor? If the study's design rules out learned influences, and if the results in women rule out genetics, that leaves what the authors call "hormonal influences" or noncognitive differences in the infant environment. According to the Guardian, the same research team has "begun another study to investigate brain symmetry in newborn babies, to see if it can be used to predict their future sexual orientation." If it can, that will scratch postnatal factors off the list, and the search will narrow to hormones in the womb. Already, the authors point to evidence that homosexuality may be caused by "under-exposure to prenatal androgens" in males and "over-exposure" in females.
Where science leads, technology follows. Two years ago, scientists in Oregon reported an attempt to "interfere with defeminization of adult sexual partner preferences" in sheep. Their method, as they described it, was to alter hormonal inputs in pregnant ewes "during the period of gestation when the sheep brain is maximally sensitive to the behavior-modifying effects of exogenous testosterone." When the attempt failed, they concluded that the dosage should be increased.
Would hormonal intervention work in humans? Should we try it? Some thinkers are intrigued. Last year, the Rev. Albert Mohler Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, wrote: "If a biological basis is found, and if a prenatal test is then developed, and if a successful treatment to reverse the sexual orientation to heterosexual is ever developed, we would support its use." Mohler told the Associated Press that morally, this would be no different from curing fetal blindness or any other "medical problem." The Rev. Joseph Fessio, editor of the press that publishes the pope's work, agreed: "Same-sex activity is considered disordered. If there are ways of detecting diseases or disorders of children in the womb … that respected the dignity of the child and mother, it would be a wonderful advancement of science."
If the idea of chemically suppressing homosexuality in the womb horrifies you, I have bad news: You won't be in the room when it happens. Parents control medical decisions, and surveys indicate that the vast majority of them would be upset to learn that their child was gay. Already, millions are screening embryos and fetuses to eliminate those of the "wrong" sex. Do you think they won't screen for the "wrong" sexual orientation, too?"
Let's digest this, let's be very honest, and very frank.
I was raised by a mother who told us that if she had become pregnant with a seriously disabled child, she would probably have aborted it. I remember discussing the issue when a Catholic family friend refused tests during her pregnancy to check for such "defects" because abortion was out of the question; she was going to have the baby God gave to her.
A mother has every right to determine that she doesn't want to have a child that is disabled, mentally retarded, etc. I am sure there are people who think I'm rather disgusting for holding those views, and they may not be wrong, but I firmly believe in a woman's right to determine the fate of her body and the fate of any child she chooses to bring into this world.
Therefore, I have to accept that some women view homosexuality as an illness, a disease, a disability, and if they can conduct tests to determine the probable sexual orientation of a fetus, and a woman doesn't want to bring that child into the world, she should have that right.
Things get tricky, though, when we start to futz with the baby itself. I've certainly heard of in vitro surgeries performed on fetuses still in the womb, to correct a weak heart, a spinal issue, etc. But how are we to feel about correcting or choosing other characteristics, like gender, sexual orientation?
I think it's safe to say every good parent hopes their child has a life with the fewest obstacles and hardships in their path, and despite great gains for equality, being gay is certainly not something a parent wishes on his child... so should they be able to wish it away?
Should we be able to make sure Billy is good at baseball, so he won't be picked last in gym class? Or good at standardized tests, so he succeeds on his SAT's? Or attractive, so he isn't rejected? Or that he won't have bad acne? Or that he won't have diabetes? Or prostate cancer?
It's really tough to try and parse out what choices are kind and protective, and what choices are just, well, creepy. Designer babies? Is this the future? I mean, yes, it's the future, but how far is too far?
Ultimately, each parent must set her own limits, and people who view homosexuality as a disability will be able to alter their children (for the better). I don't have the ability to bring a child into the world, I don't have to carry it in my womb for nine months, so I don't feel comfortable imposing my own views when I don't have to live with the consequences.
But I offer some thoughts-- not spouted with vitriol-- merely presented for a continued dialogue on this most important topic.
If there's a biological/sociological function gay people fill, how will our society suffer if we weed out our gay brethren? There was an article in New York magazine a year or so ago explaining how in many native cultures with big families, gay sons are often born last, and often help their sisters take care of their children while tending to their elderly parents.
For an already small and marginalized culture, if we decrease the number of gay children, how will that impact the gay kids whose parents didn't alter them? What will their lives be like? They didn't chose to be gay, but their parents chose to keep them that way. What will that mean, for them, and for all of us, if some of our parents made us "perfect" and some of our parents knowingly kept us imperfect?
What would our bookshelves look like, our runways, our theatres, our galleries, our piano scores, without the product of gay artists?
And perhaps most depressing, consider the terribly interesting people we will never get to know because their parents were trying to protect them from a tougher life.
Tough is good. It makes us stronger.
Our greatest selves emerge from the battles that test our limits and nearly break us, but don't.
Remove those fighters from the fight, humanity loses a bit of its luster.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
I Now Pronounce You, Husband And Husband
If you are a gay boy born in California today, you can grow up dreaming of the day when you will hear those magical marriage words.
That is, if you can find someone to marry you. Good luck with that. Ugh.
Read more here.
That is, if you can find someone to marry you. Good luck with that. Ugh.
Read more here.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Here She Is, Miss America (Part II)
Please meet our 10 Republican semi-finalists for our first ever Senate Beauty Pageant! (And don't forget to vote for your favorites)!!
Miss Alaska- Lisa Murkowski
This 51-year old native beauty from our nation's northernmost state enjoys spending time with her husband, Verne, and their two sons, Nic and Matt. After Daddy gave up his Senate seat to take over Alaska's governorship, he appointed Daddy's little girl to the Senate, but she's since won re-election on her own! You go, girl! Lisa loves to ski, fish and camp in the wilds of Alaska, and has two really cute puppies.
Platform Issue: National Arts & Crafts Program
Talent: Spin-Art
Mr. Florida- Mel Martinez
Born in Cuba and brough to Florida as a teen, this tall, 61 year old Latin lover tore it up in college at Florida State University, where he was a proud Alpha Tau Omega. Now he enjoys spending time with his wife- a true blonde bombshell- and airing ads against his opponents who support hate crimes legislation by referring to them as, "darling(s) of homosexual extremists." Good sense of humor, this one.
Platform Issue: Free Hair Coloring for Greying Men
Talent: Flute
Mr. Louisiana- David Vitter
This statuesque brunette is more than a pretty face-- he's a Rhodes Scholar, and knows how to have fun, too! Triple threat! 47-year old David seems to have weathered the storm when stories of his trysts (in diapers) with D.C. prostitutes surfaced last year, despite the fact that during the Lewinsky scandal, Vitter's wife said, "I'm a lot more like Lorena Bobbitt than Hillary. If he [Vitter] does something like that, I'm walking away with one thing, and it's not alimony trust me."
Mrs. Vitter- don't do it! Yes, he's a bad boy, but look at that face-- soooo cute!
Platform: Affordable Diapers
Talent: Playing Baseball Without a Cup
Miss Maine- Olympia Snowe
At 61, this Greek Orthodox is one stunning brunette! Born in Augusta, Maine, this survivor was orphaned by the age of 9 when her mother died of cancer and her father of a heart attack. She was raised by her Uncle... until he died, too. And her first husband was tragically killed in a car accident when she was just 26 years old. But don't let her tragic past fool you- this broad hangs tough in the Senate's Gang of 14.
Platform Issue: Skunk Extermination
Talent: Basket Weaving
Mr. Minnesota- Norm Coleman
Don't let first impressions fool you. At 58, Norm may look chipper and sweet, but he has a wild streak just like any other true-red bad boy. His wife is model Laurie Coleman, who as recently as 2004 posed for "boudoir" photos in the Washington Post, he spent his 20th birthday partying at Woodstock, and in high school, he ran for student council by claiming, "these conservative kids don't fuck or get high like we do." Yes, my friends, he was once a liberal. If that's not wild, I don't know what is.
Platform: National Holiday: Make Wednesdays Cuddle Day!
Talent: Silent But Deadlies
Mr. Nebraska- Chuck Hagel
This attractive 61 year old Purple Hearted Vietnam War Vet put himself through college working as a bartender. Well, Chuck, you can tend bar for me any day! With a mop of graying hair and those sunken, almond-shaped eyes, Hagel's dream-boy face won't be visible much longer on the Senate floor- after 2 terms, he's retiring. Although he's an outspoken critic of the war in Iraq, this married father of two isn't always so serious: in Halloweens past, he's dressed up as Joe Biden, Colin Powell & John McCain.
Platform: Clean Fingernails
Talent: Kazoo
Mr. Oregon- Gordon Smith
Perhaps this 56 year old Oregonian Mormon wears a toupee, but who cares-- with his warm smile and elegant features, this Brigham Young alum is a keeper. A moderate, Gordo favors a quick withdrawl from Iraq, and has even been lauded by the HRC for his pro-gay stance on certain issues. When his son committed suicide in 2003, he wrote a book about it and helped secure funding for suicide prevention programs at colleges across the country.
A caffeine-free Mormon with a heart of gold? You don't find that every day.
Platform: Puppies
Talent: Flossing
Mr. South Dakota- John Thune
He's young (47) he's hung (we presume) and he's hot as hell. He can play with the big boys-- after all, he ousted former minority leader Tom Daschle, but this corn-fed, native South Dakotan has a sweet side, too; he supports the war in Iraq because, "liberating Iraq from decades of tyranny and dictatorship, bringing about political freedom, will create an atmosphere of where religious freedom will come to Iraq. And that opens the door, obviously, for the Christian faith there as well." That said, he did name his daughters Brittany and Larissa-- see you at the Black Hills Strip Club! And if that weren't enough to get your goat, how about this: He's the Chief Deputy Whip. Mr. Thune, you can whip me any time you like!
Platform: Cheaper Leather Goods
Talent: Rubs His Stomach While Balanced on One Foot and Patting His Head
Mr. Tennessee- Bob Corker
Ms. Texas- Kay Bailey Hutchison
All I can say is, Damn!!! Girl looks good for 64! This Pi Beta Phi sorority cheerleader from UT-Austin has still got it-- the gams, the gums and those killer light brown eyes. But she's not all goody-goody. She received more money from Big Oil than any other congressman or woman, and got a rating of zero (0) from the League of Conservation Voters, so watch out: this bad girl ain't no Erin Brokovich. She's that other woman, the one who Julia Roberts tells, we brought that water in fresh for you folks from Hinckley. Remember her? Maybe not. But you'll never forget Kay Bailey.
Platform: Saving The Trees... On Her Property
Talent: Cooks Seven-Course Meal with Oil (Not Olive Oil)
Miss Alaska- Lisa Murkowski
This 51-year old native beauty from our nation's northernmost state enjoys spending time with her husband, Verne, and their two sons, Nic and Matt. After Daddy gave up his Senate seat to take over Alaska's governorship, he appointed Daddy's little girl to the Senate, but she's since won re-election on her own! You go, girl! Lisa loves to ski, fish and camp in the wilds of Alaska, and has two really cute puppies.
Platform Issue: National Arts & Crafts Program
Talent: Spin-Art
Mr. Florida- Mel MartinezBorn in Cuba and brough to Florida as a teen, this tall, 61 year old Latin lover tore it up in college at Florida State University, where he was a proud Alpha Tau Omega. Now he enjoys spending time with his wife- a true blonde bombshell- and airing ads against his opponents who support hate crimes legislation by referring to them as, "darling(s) of homosexual extremists." Good sense of humor, this one.
Platform Issue: Free Hair Coloring for Greying Men
Talent: Flute
Mr. Louisiana- David VitterThis statuesque brunette is more than a pretty face-- he's a Rhodes Scholar, and knows how to have fun, too! Triple threat! 47-year old David seems to have weathered the storm when stories of his trysts (in diapers) with D.C. prostitutes surfaced last year, despite the fact that during the Lewinsky scandal, Vitter's wife said, "I'm a lot more like Lorena Bobbitt than Hillary. If he [Vitter] does something like that, I'm walking away with one thing, and it's not alimony trust me."
Mrs. Vitter- don't do it! Yes, he's a bad boy, but look at that face-- soooo cute!
Platform: Affordable Diapers
Talent: Playing Baseball Without a Cup
Miss Maine- Olympia SnoweAt 61, this Greek Orthodox is one stunning brunette! Born in Augusta, Maine, this survivor was orphaned by the age of 9 when her mother died of cancer and her father of a heart attack. She was raised by her Uncle... until he died, too. And her first husband was tragically killed in a car accident when she was just 26 years old. But don't let her tragic past fool you- this broad hangs tough in the Senate's Gang of 14.
Platform Issue: Skunk Extermination
Talent: Basket Weaving
Mr. Minnesota- Norm ColemanDon't let first impressions fool you. At 58, Norm may look chipper and sweet, but he has a wild streak just like any other true-red bad boy. His wife is model Laurie Coleman, who as recently as 2004 posed for "boudoir" photos in the Washington Post, he spent his 20th birthday partying at Woodstock, and in high school, he ran for student council by claiming, "these conservative kids don't fuck or get high like we do." Yes, my friends, he was once a liberal. If that's not wild, I don't know what is.
Platform: National Holiday: Make Wednesdays Cuddle Day!
Talent: Silent But Deadlies
Mr. Nebraska- Chuck HagelThis attractive 61 year old Purple Hearted Vietnam War Vet put himself through college working as a bartender. Well, Chuck, you can tend bar for me any day! With a mop of graying hair and those sunken, almond-shaped eyes, Hagel's dream-boy face won't be visible much longer on the Senate floor- after 2 terms, he's retiring. Although he's an outspoken critic of the war in Iraq, this married father of two isn't always so serious: in Halloweens past, he's dressed up as Joe Biden, Colin Powell & John McCain.
Platform: Clean Fingernails
Talent: Kazoo
Mr. Oregon- Gordon SmithPerhaps this 56 year old Oregonian Mormon wears a toupee, but who cares-- with his warm smile and elegant features, this Brigham Young alum is a keeper. A moderate, Gordo favors a quick withdrawl from Iraq, and has even been lauded by the HRC for his pro-gay stance on certain issues. When his son committed suicide in 2003, he wrote a book about it and helped secure funding for suicide prevention programs at colleges across the country.
A caffeine-free Mormon with a heart of gold? You don't find that every day.
Platform: Puppies
Talent: Flossing
Mr. South Dakota- John ThuneHe's young (47) he's hung (we presume) and he's hot as hell. He can play with the big boys-- after all, he ousted former minority leader Tom Daschle, but this corn-fed, native South Dakotan has a sweet side, too; he supports the war in Iraq because, "liberating Iraq from decades of tyranny and dictatorship, bringing about political freedom, will create an atmosphere of where religious freedom will come to Iraq. And that opens the door, obviously, for the Christian faith there as well." That said, he did name his daughters Brittany and Larissa-- see you at the Black Hills Strip Club! And if that weren't enough to get your goat, how about this: He's the Chief Deputy Whip. Mr. Thune, you can whip me any time you like!
Platform: Cheaper Leather Goods
Talent: Rubs His Stomach While Balanced on One Foot and Patting His Head
Mr. Tennessee- Bob CorkerHe may be the junior Senator from Tennessee, but there's nothing junior about this stud! This 55 year old Sigma Chi was on the other end of the infamous Playboy party "Harold, call me" ads that knocked out his 2006 Democratic opponent, Harold Ford, Jr. (who, had he won, would surely have been competing in our Democratic pageant). But this Southern gent isn't always such a party pooper-- right before the election, photos surfaced on facebook of his hot young daughter making out with another girl. Cue sexy porn music... now!
Platform: Promoting Tolerance for Same-Sex Kissing (Which Does NOT Make you Gay).
Talent: Kissing People of the Same Sex.
Ms. Texas- Kay Bailey HutchisonAll I can say is, Damn!!! Girl looks good for 64! This Pi Beta Phi sorority cheerleader from UT-Austin has still got it-- the gams, the gums and those killer light brown eyes. But she's not all goody-goody. She received more money from Big Oil than any other congressman or woman, and got a rating of zero (0) from the League of Conservation Voters, so watch out: this bad girl ain't no Erin Brokovich. She's that other woman, the one who Julia Roberts tells, we brought that water in fresh for you folks from Hinckley. Remember her? Maybe not. But you'll never forget Kay Bailey.
Platform: Saving The Trees... On Her Property
Talent: Cooks Seven-Course Meal with Oil (Not Olive Oil)
Monday, June 9, 2008
Here She Is, Miss America (Part I)
The great story in this election year is not the fact that a black man or a white woman had a serious shot at the White House. It's the fact that a Senator is now certain to be our next President. And what's more, a sitting Senator will be President. Believe it or not, there are only two (count em, 2) instances in our nation's history when someone went directly from the Senate to the White House, and they both happened in the 20th century: Warren G. Harding, in 1921, and JFK in 1961. Since Kennedy, the only Senators to make it the White House were LBJ and Nixon, both of whom served as Vice-President prior to their takeover at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Yes, Kerry & Dole, you ran at the wrong time, my friends.
The executive office is about to get a President without executive experience, and that seems to be a-ok with the people Americana. But it does require that we give our humble body of ego-maniacal Senators the once-over. And I think the best way to do that is by holding a good old fashioned beauty pageant. That's right folks, a pageant. Get ready to send in your votes. We have 49 Republicans and 49 Democrats competing for the crown (lucky for us, neither of our sexy aging New England independents- Sens. Lieberman and Sanders- made the cut-off).
Tomorrow, we'll meet our 10 Republican semi-finalists, and then later in the week, we'll meet the Dems. This is open to members of all genders, ages, and parties (except you independents). The only criteria is that you're in the Senate, and you're cute.
I hope you boys and girls are practicing your baton twirling!
For the folks at home: get out your ballots and get ready to rock this vote.
The Ladies Who Lunch In The Senate
Currently, 16 women serve in the Senate, and after November, that number might just increase... to 17! Let's look at the 6 women running for the United States Senate.
In this corner, we have our one sure thing, Senator Susan Collins, the other female Republican Senator from the state of Maine. She first won a seat in 1996, and was re-elected in 2002. This isn't a great year for Republicans, but she's got a 10-point lead as of now. Stay tuned.
In this corner, we have our one sure thing, Senator Susan Collins, the other female Republican Senator from the state of Maine. She first won a seat in 1996, and was re-elected in 2002. This isn't a great year for Republicans, but she's got a 10-point lead as of now. Stay tuned.One state sure to send a woman to the Senate is North Carolina. Current Republican Elizabeth Dole
is running for re-election against Kay Hagan, a state Senator who defeated openly gay Jim Neal in the Democratic primary. The race is a statistical dead heat. Who knows how it will all play out with the presidential election-- bad year for Republicans hurts Dole, popular presidential candidate among Blacks also hurts Dole. The question will be how many inroads Obama can make in the state with white voters. Looks like Kay's just along for the ride of her life, on his coattails.
is running for re-election against Kay Hagan, a state Senator who defeated openly gay Jim Neal in the Democratic primary. The race is a statistical dead heat. Who knows how it will all play out with the presidential election-- bad year for Republicans hurts Dole, popular presidential candidate among Blacks also hurts Dole. The question will be how many inroads Obama can make in the state with white voters. Looks like Kay's just along for the ride of her life, on his coattails.The third female incumbent hoping to hold onto her seat is Louisiana Democrat Mary Landrieu. Sweet, sweet Mary's
never had it easy. Yes, Daddy was the mayor of New Orleans, and her brother is the Lt. Gov of the state, but because of the strange way Louisiana votes, one has to win a majority (50%+) of the state, and in both of Landrieu's elections, she's not captured enough on the first ballot to secure her seat. In 1996, after coming in 2nd place on the first ballot, she won on the 2nd by fewer than 6,000 votes. As the incumbent in 2002, she didn't have it much better, winning 46% of the vote on ballot 1, and then only holding onto her seat on ballot 2 by 4 percentage points. She barely leads her competitor, state Treasurer John N. Kennedy. With a large segment of the urban New Orleans community scattered throughout the country post-Katrina, Landrieu might have a hard time winning a 3rd election.
A possible Democratic upset might come in one of our nation's most independent states, New Hampshire. Jeanne Shaheen, the former Governor, is contesting Republican incumbent John Sununu, and recent polls put her ahead by as much as 8%. However, McCain is popular in the granite state, which bodes well for Sununu, and he beat Shaheen six years ago. But maybe the New Hampshire folks are ready for change? Paging Barack Obama...And finally, one woman who, sad to say, will never see the light of day in the United States Senate (at least, not as a Senator) is
Ms. Vivian Davis Figures, Democratic state Senator from Alabama. She is challenging incumbent Rep. Jeff Sessions, who was re-elected to a second term in 2002 by nearly 60%. Maybe Obama can win our nation, but forgetting the birds-eye view for a moment, a black female Democrat from Alabama ain't beating the incumbent white Republican guy. Think I'm wrong? Please see Denise Majette, Georgia 2004.Also, her bio on her website is ridiculous.
So in conclusion: 3 female seats up for grabs. NC definitely goes for a woman. ME probably holds onto its honey. If Mary can retain her seat, then we're still good at 16, and if Shaheen rides in on Obama's wave, we're up to 17.
Sorry, Viv. You're still out. And fix your bio.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Paging Peter Morgan
You know, the author of FROST/NIXON and THE QUEEN?
I think he needs to write a play about Clinton's one hour sit down meeting with Obama in the home of Senator Feinstein (who, it appears, served them water). What was said? How will history be shaped by these two titans facing off, chair to chair, in a room alone, with no cameras, no reporters, no posturing, not even secret servicemen.
My hunch? Hillary wanted to enlist Barack's help to pay off her debts. And maybe discuss how he'll help the black politicians who supported her. I doubt they went deep into a debate about the Vice-Presidency.
And I'm sorry, but Dianne Feinstein didn't just serve water. She's a bubbie! You know she said, "Wouldn't you like something to eat? Some cookies? Pretzles? Just something to nosh, nu?"
Whatever they discussed, I'd love to know what Peter Morgan imagines was said...
I think he needs to write a play about Clinton's one hour sit down meeting with Obama in the home of Senator Feinstein (who, it appears, served them water). What was said? How will history be shaped by these two titans facing off, chair to chair, in a room alone, with no cameras, no reporters, no posturing, not even secret servicemen.
My hunch? Hillary wanted to enlist Barack's help to pay off her debts. And maybe discuss how he'll help the black politicians who supported her. I doubt they went deep into a debate about the Vice-Presidency.
And I'm sorry, but Dianne Feinstein didn't just serve water. She's a bubbie! You know she said, "Wouldn't you like something to eat? Some cookies? Pretzles? Just something to nosh, nu?"
Whatever they discussed, I'd love to know what Peter Morgan imagines was said...
Thursday, June 5, 2008
The Numbers Game
Now we have our nominee, so lets look at our map and see what possibilities lie ahead...
Sure Things
Obama has the following states in the bag:
California (55), Connecticut (7), Delaware (3), Hawaii, Illinois, Oregon (7), Maine (4), Maryland (10), Massachusetts (12), New Jersey (15), New Hampshire (4), New York (31), Rhode Island, Vermont (3), Washington (11), Washington D.C. (3).
That gives him 194 votes.
New Jersey's the only one that might be a little tricky, but it's pretty reliably Dem. As long as NJ doesn't get lost in the shuffle, those are solidly blue.
I would argue that Michigan, Minnesota & Wisconson aren't seriously in play, either. They've all voted Dem in the last four presidential elections. Both senators and govs from WI and MI are Dem. Minnesota might be a little trickier, but they recently elected a Dem to the Senate, and Obama's midwestern machine should put him over the top.
That brings him up to 231.
A Look at the Little Guys
Everyone talks about the big boys, but as Obama's party nomination strategy proved, you don't have to win Ohio to win the ballgame.
Iowa voted for Bush in '04, but voted for a Dem in the 3 previous cycles, has a Dem Governor, a powerful former Dem Governor, and a Dem in the Senate. He picks that up and adds 7.
Though it's gone Republican in the last 3 presidential elections, Montana would seem red, but with a blue governor and 2 blue senators (incl. the recently elected Jon Tester), let's add their 3 votes to the tab.
In the southwest, New Mexico and Nevada were reliably blue during the Clinton years. Can Richardson deliver New Mexico? Can Harry Reid rally Nevada? Let's not count on both, but let's assume one comes thru. Add 5 more delegates.
We're up to 246.
The Big Boys
I firmly believe Florida is not in play. Even Bill didn't win it in '92. Charlie Crist took over for Jebbie, pumping some fresh Republican blood into the state, but Florida represents that rare anamoly where age works to McCain's advantage. The state was made for him.
Pennsylvania is a more realistic option for Obama. They ousted Santorum 2 years ago, Rendell is a popular Democratic governor, and the state's gone blue in the last 4 presidential elections. 21 for Obama.
267, baby.
So That Leaves Us
Just 3 delegates shy of the nomination. Obama can lose Ohio & Florida and still have plenty of options. He has to put into play some of the smaller, forgotten states-- sure, Virginia would be a coup (and if he adds Virginia to this tally, he's over the top)-- but if he pours his resources into places like New Mexico, Montana, and Iowa, and works hard to hold onto the Pennsylvania-Michigan base, he can really take this. Without Florida. Without Ohio. Really. Yes, really.
He Just Needs Those 3 Delegates, Which Will Come From...
There's talk that Colorado is in play-- that gives him 9. With the help of the divine Claire McCaskill, Missouri could add 11. Simply go after a Dakota, and the game is over.
But let's make this really easy. Let him lose Colorado. Lose West Virginia. Let's even take Iowa back from him. All he needs are 5 states, and he can do this. Use the big guns in Michigan and Pennsylvania. Use a big gun in Missouri, too. And then, go out West and duke it out in New Mexico & Montana.
That easy. Game over. He makes 271. (The 231 safe-bet figure, which includes Michigan, Wisconson and Minnesota, plus PA's 21, NM's 5, MT's 3 and MI's 11).
MICHIGAN. MINNESOTA. WISCONSON.
PENNSYLVANIA. MISSOURI. NEW MEXICO. MONTANA. (and don't forget new jersey!!)
Barack, put your money into those states, don't stress about Florida and Ohio, and then go pack your bags. You'll be moving to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Feel free to offer your own, more elegantly structured wins below.
You can play and make your own map on USA Today.
Read more at the Atlantic, Salon and Huffington Post.
Sure Things
Obama has the following states in the bag:
California (55), Connecticut (7), Delaware (3), Hawaii, Illinois, Oregon (7), Maine (4), Maryland (10), Massachusetts (12), New Jersey (15), New Hampshire (4), New York (31), Rhode Island, Vermont (3), Washington (11), Washington D.C. (3).
That gives him 194 votes.
New Jersey's the only one that might be a little tricky, but it's pretty reliably Dem. As long as NJ doesn't get lost in the shuffle, those are solidly blue.
I would argue that Michigan, Minnesota & Wisconson aren't seriously in play, either. They've all voted Dem in the last four presidential elections. Both senators and govs from WI and MI are Dem. Minnesota might be a little trickier, but they recently elected a Dem to the Senate, and Obama's midwestern machine should put him over the top.
That brings him up to 231.
A Look at the Little Guys
Everyone talks about the big boys, but as Obama's party nomination strategy proved, you don't have to win Ohio to win the ballgame.
Iowa voted for Bush in '04, but voted for a Dem in the 3 previous cycles, has a Dem Governor, a powerful former Dem Governor, and a Dem in the Senate. He picks that up and adds 7.
Though it's gone Republican in the last 3 presidential elections, Montana would seem red, but with a blue governor and 2 blue senators (incl. the recently elected Jon Tester), let's add their 3 votes to the tab.
In the southwest, New Mexico and Nevada were reliably blue during the Clinton years. Can Richardson deliver New Mexico? Can Harry Reid rally Nevada? Let's not count on both, but let's assume one comes thru. Add 5 more delegates.
We're up to 246.
The Big Boys
I firmly believe Florida is not in play. Even Bill didn't win it in '92. Charlie Crist took over for Jebbie, pumping some fresh Republican blood into the state, but Florida represents that rare anamoly where age works to McCain's advantage. The state was made for him.
Pennsylvania is a more realistic option for Obama. They ousted Santorum 2 years ago, Rendell is a popular Democratic governor, and the state's gone blue in the last 4 presidential elections. 21 for Obama.
267, baby.
So That Leaves Us
Just 3 delegates shy of the nomination. Obama can lose Ohio & Florida and still have plenty of options. He has to put into play some of the smaller, forgotten states-- sure, Virginia would be a coup (and if he adds Virginia to this tally, he's over the top)-- but if he pours his resources into places like New Mexico, Montana, and Iowa, and works hard to hold onto the Pennsylvania-Michigan base, he can really take this. Without Florida. Without Ohio. Really. Yes, really.
He Just Needs Those 3 Delegates, Which Will Come From...
There's talk that Colorado is in play-- that gives him 9. With the help of the divine Claire McCaskill, Missouri could add 11. Simply go after a Dakota, and the game is over.
But let's make this really easy. Let him lose Colorado. Lose West Virginia. Let's even take Iowa back from him. All he needs are 5 states, and he can do this. Use the big guns in Michigan and Pennsylvania. Use a big gun in Missouri, too. And then, go out West and duke it out in New Mexico & Montana.
That easy. Game over. He makes 271. (The 231 safe-bet figure, which includes Michigan, Wisconson and Minnesota, plus PA's 21, NM's 5, MT's 3 and MI's 11).
MICHIGAN. MINNESOTA. WISCONSON.
PENNSYLVANIA. MISSOURI. NEW MEXICO. MONTANA. (and don't forget new jersey!!)
Barack, put your money into those states, don't stress about Florida and Ohio, and then go pack your bags. You'll be moving to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Feel free to offer your own, more elegantly structured wins below.
You can play and make your own map on USA Today.
Read more at the Atlantic, Salon and Huffington Post.
When Old People Die, Pigs Will Fly
Maybe the USA Today has upped its liberal readership, but these numbers shocked me. According to their Gallup Poll, 63% of Americans now say the decision for a same-sex couple to marry should be private; in other words, the government ought to have no right to impose laws preventing same-sex marriage. That's kind of a shockingly high number.
And for people aged 18-29, well, 79% of them are in favor of gay marriage. As old people die, once-impossible dreams will come true...
And for people aged 18-29, well, 79% of them are in favor of gay marriage. As old people die, once-impossible dreams will come true...
There Are Worse Things I Could Do
Than go with a boy or two...
So went the famous words in Grease. But for Obama, there are few things worse he could do for his campaign than to ask Queen Clinton to join his ticket. After much speculation that he might offer her the spot, it's refreshing to see an article that says even the number two spot is slipping from her grasp. Thanks, WSJ!
So went the famous words in Grease. But for Obama, there are few things worse he could do for his campaign than to ask Queen Clinton to join his ticket. After much speculation that he might offer her the spot, it's refreshing to see an article that says even the number two spot is slipping from her grasp. Thanks, WSJ!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
I Love Tzipi
Read all about the amazing woman who might be Israel's next Prime Minister, Tzipi Livni.She's currently the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Condi's Israeli equivalent). She speaks English, Hebrew & French. A wife with two kids. A former lieutenant Israel Defense Forces. And a vegetarian.
I fucking love this woman.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
And Here's To You, Mr. Paterson
NY Governor David Paterson announced yesterday that all state agencies must recognize gay marriages performed in California and Massachusetts. Some more info below:
'The directive is the strongest signal yet that Mr. Paterson, who developed strong ties to the gay community as a legislator, plans to push aggressively to legalize same-sex unions as governor. His predecessor, Eliot Spitzer, introduced a bill last year that would have legalized gay marriage, but even as he submitted it, doubted that it would pass. The Democratic-dominated Assembly passed the measure, but the Republican-led Senate has refused to call a vote on it.
Short of an act by the Legislature, the directive ordered by Mr. Paterson is the one of the strongest statements a state can make in favor of gay unions.
“Basically we’ve done everything we can do on marriage legislatively at this point,” said Sean Patrick Maloney, a senior adviser to Mr. Paterson. “But there are tools in our tool kit on the executive side, and this is one".'
-Jeremy W. Peters, NYT
Thank you, Governor. There are limits to your power, but thank you for using your power for good, and putting yourself on the line, and taking a risk to do all that you're capable of to promote equality in our state. Your courage inspires.
'The directive is the strongest signal yet that Mr. Paterson, who developed strong ties to the gay community as a legislator, plans to push aggressively to legalize same-sex unions as governor. His predecessor, Eliot Spitzer, introduced a bill last year that would have legalized gay marriage, but even as he submitted it, doubted that it would pass. The Democratic-dominated Assembly passed the measure, but the Republican-led Senate has refused to call a vote on it.
Short of an act by the Legislature, the directive ordered by Mr. Paterson is the one of the strongest statements a state can make in favor of gay unions.
“Basically we’ve done everything we can do on marriage legislatively at this point,” said Sean Patrick Maloney, a senior adviser to Mr. Paterson. “But there are tools in our tool kit on the executive side, and this is one".'
-Jeremy W. Peters, NYT
Thank you, Governor. There are limits to your power, but thank you for using your power for good, and putting yourself on the line, and taking a risk to do all that you're capable of to promote equality in our state. Your courage inspires.
Gym Etiquette
A rare, true life story from yours truly.
At the gym this morning, I was working out on the elliptical when a lovely young woman got onto the machine next to mine. She was watching Regis and Kelly, though today, Pat Sajak was substituting for Reeg. I don't judge what people watch to pass the time at the gym. Who cares? But then...
She proceeded to hysterically giggle during the entire show (which, I soon discovered has like zero commerical breaks). I tried to give her the eye a few times to be like, lady, stop, but she didn't. Her laugh was beyond annoying, a fake, breathy loud pulsating giggle. People around her kept looking over, but she was oblivious, so enthralled was she by the delightful comedic timing of Pat & Kelly. I thought, I'd better wrap up this work-out before things get ugly. I could feel the blood rising, I could feel myself getting angrier, and then...
I got to work and saw this story.
It is so refreshing to one's sanity to witness someone else doing something you almost did yourself, but had the restraint not to. It makes you feel so incredibly, deeply sane...
At the gym this morning, I was working out on the elliptical when a lovely young woman got onto the machine next to mine. She was watching Regis and Kelly, though today, Pat Sajak was substituting for Reeg. I don't judge what people watch to pass the time at the gym. Who cares? But then...
She proceeded to hysterically giggle during the entire show (which, I soon discovered has like zero commerical breaks). I tried to give her the eye a few times to be like, lady, stop, but she didn't. Her laugh was beyond annoying, a fake, breathy loud pulsating giggle. People around her kept looking over, but she was oblivious, so enthralled was she by the delightful comedic timing of Pat & Kelly. I thought, I'd better wrap up this work-out before things get ugly. I could feel the blood rising, I could feel myself getting angrier, and then...
I got to work and saw this story.
It is so refreshing to one's sanity to witness someone else doing something you almost did yourself, but had the restraint not to. It makes you feel so incredibly, deeply sane...
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Olbermann on Clinton's Assassination Remarks
A powerful and worthy argument why Hillary Clinton must never be our President. If you don't want to watch the entire 10 minute segment, fast forward to 7:17, where Olbermann makes his point so crystal clear, it is indisputable.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Don't Do It, Buddy
Rumors are swirlling that Bill Clinton is pushing hard for Obama to take Hillary on as his running mate (articles can be read on Politico and Time).
All I can say is, big mistake. You don't unify the party by giving the second place finisher the second slot. Voters had a choice, and they chose. If Hillary cares about the party, she needs to get behind Obama and work hard for him, and he needs to be graceful, grateful and respectful. But the Vice-Presidency has long ceased being the 2nd place finisher's automatic slot (and when it was, we got guys like dualist Aaron Burr).
Hillary ran to be President and she lost. Deal with it.
But before we can deal with it, she needs to. She needs to own up to losing and bow out gracefully. Until that happens, nothing Obama does will unify the party. The triumphant victor can't just bask in his own glow if the loser is still on the sidelines rallying her supporters behind her.
The Democrats don't need Hillary on the ticket to unify the party. They need her to be a graceful loser.
All I can say is, big mistake. You don't unify the party by giving the second place finisher the second slot. Voters had a choice, and they chose. If Hillary cares about the party, she needs to get behind Obama and work hard for him, and he needs to be graceful, grateful and respectful. But the Vice-Presidency has long ceased being the 2nd place finisher's automatic slot (and when it was, we got guys like dualist Aaron Burr).
Hillary ran to be President and she lost. Deal with it.
But before we can deal with it, she needs to. She needs to own up to losing and bow out gracefully. Until that happens, nothing Obama does will unify the party. The triumphant victor can't just bask in his own glow if the loser is still on the sidelines rallying her supporters behind her.
The Democrats don't need Hillary on the ticket to unify the party. They need her to be a graceful loser.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Lady, Go Away!
"Hillary Clinton compared her effort to seat Florida and Michigan delegates to epic American struggles, including those to free the slaves and win the right to vote for blacks and women."
-Ben Smith, Politico
I want to fucking slap this fucking condescending snot across the face. You lost. Lose fair and square. Don't you DARE pretend you're in a civil rights fight equivalent to slavery and the suffragettes. You believe that? Then you're a fool.
-Ben Smith, Politico
I want to fucking slap this fucking condescending snot across the face. You lost. Lose fair and square. Don't you DARE pretend you're in a civil rights fight equivalent to slavery and the suffragettes. You believe that? Then you're a fool.
Obama/Bobbit '08
If I were Barack Obama, I would do the following:
1) Call up homegirl and say, "White Girl, you're done. Buh-bye."
2) Call up the creator and founder of But It's Not Even Leather and say, "I think I've got this nomination in the bag, but I'm struggling. I need someone with foreign policy heft, someone with experience, but not a Washington player. Everyone keeps crying, Joe Biden! Ted Strickland! But I just don't know. Oh wise blogger of But It's Not Even Leather, who should I choose?"
To which I would respond, have I got some brilliant suggestions for you. Have you considered...
A Movie Star?
Bette Midler. The country is certainly ready for a Jewish-American-Hawaiin triple threat. She could sing the Beaches soundtrack during Senate fillibusters.
Al Pacino. Hey Ahmadinejad, you really want to fuck with THE Godfather?
A Truly Frightening Movie Mogul
Harvey Weinstein. Honestly, I'd love to see him in a room with Ahmadinejad.
Or, A Different Kind of Harvey?
Harvey Fierstein. Ok, I'd really love to see his meeting with Ahmadinejad. Uh-mazing. Plus, he could totally charm those blue collar, working white voters in outfits like this one.
Mama Rose?
Patti LuPone. She's probably going to win a Tony in June. Why not the Vice-Presidency in November?
A Weatherman? (No, not Bill Ayers!)
Al Roker! A friendly face who can cheerfully report the weather each morning from the steps of the Capitol. "It's a frigid, snowy day here in Washington, and also, Larry Craig is looking for some skiing materials in the 3rd floor men's restroom."
A Friend Who Will Always Know Your Name?
Rhea Perlman. She'll dispense sound advice over beers.
A Diet Self-Help Motivational Speaker?
Susan Powter. Remember her? Yeah, me neither.
America's Most Celebrated Photographer?
Annie Liebowitz. If the country's ready for a black man as president, why not a Jewish lesbian as his running mate? And consider the great Vanity Fair spreads!
Speaking of Jews...
Rabbi Shmuley Boteach. Everyone loves Shalom in the Home! Plus, he was on Oprah, and would certainly deflect Rev. Wright criticism. Don't you think this face would sell in West Virginia?
My Mother?
Ellen Harmon. Why not? If what you need is a white woman lawyer and you don't want Hillary, she's a pretty solid choice. But I'm biased.
A Woman Politician?
Sen Claire McCaskill (D-MO). Obama fan from the start, blonde female Senator from a swing state, good for the ticket, good for the heart. Love her.
Ok, No More Messing Around. If Hillary has taught us anything, the country is not only ready for a woman in charge, but they like them feisty. Real fiesty. Well, sorry Hill, but you're a Georgia peach compared to these broads. Who wouldn't love to see Obama take office with one of these legends from the 90's?
Tonya Harding. You get in her way, she'll break your kneecaps.
Amy Fisher. Mess with her, she'll shoot your wife in the face. Seriously.
Lorena Bobbit. 'Nuff said.
1) Call up homegirl and say, "White Girl, you're done. Buh-bye."
2) Call up the creator and founder of But It's Not Even Leather and say, "I think I've got this nomination in the bag, but I'm struggling. I need someone with foreign policy heft, someone with experience, but not a Washington player. Everyone keeps crying, Joe Biden! Ted Strickland! But I just don't know. Oh wise blogger of But It's Not Even Leather, who should I choose?"
To which I would respond, have I got some brilliant suggestions for you. Have you considered...
A Movie Star?
Morgan Freeman. He certainly convinced me he was Presidential in Deep Impact.
Will Smith. He can beat aliens; surely he can solve the energy crisis.
Bette Midler. The country is certainly ready for a Jewish-American-Hawaiin triple threat. She could sing the Beaches soundtrack during Senate fillibusters.
Al Pacino. Hey Ahmadinejad, you really want to fuck with THE Godfather?
A Truly Frightening Movie Mogul
Harvey Weinstein. Honestly, I'd love to see him in a room with Ahmadinejad.
Or, A Different Kind of Harvey?
Harvey Fierstein. Ok, I'd really love to see his meeting with Ahmadinejad. Uh-mazing. Plus, he could totally charm those blue collar, working white voters in outfits like this one.Mama Rose?
Patti LuPone. She's probably going to win a Tony in June. Why not the Vice-Presidency in November?
A Weatherman? (No, not Bill Ayers!)
Al Roker! A friendly face who can cheerfully report the weather each morning from the steps of the Capitol. "It's a frigid, snowy day here in Washington, and also, Larry Craig is looking for some skiing materials in the 3rd floor men's restroom."A Friend Who Will Always Know Your Name?
Rhea Perlman. She'll dispense sound advice over beers.
A Diet Self-Help Motivational Speaker?
Susan Powter. Remember her? Yeah, me neither.
America's Most Celebrated Photographer?
Annie Liebowitz. If the country's ready for a black man as president, why not a Jewish lesbian as his running mate? And consider the great Vanity Fair spreads!
Speaking of Jews...
Rabbi Shmuley Boteach. Everyone loves Shalom in the Home! Plus, he was on Oprah, and would certainly deflect Rev. Wright criticism. Don't you think this face would sell in West Virginia?
My Mother?
Ellen Harmon. Why not? If what you need is a white woman lawyer and you don't want Hillary, she's a pretty solid choice. But I'm biased.
A Woman Politician?
Sen Claire McCaskill (D-MO). Obama fan from the start, blonde female Senator from a swing state, good for the ticket, good for the heart. Love her.
Ok, No More Messing Around. If Hillary has taught us anything, the country is not only ready for a woman in charge, but they like them feisty. Real fiesty. Well, sorry Hill, but you're a Georgia peach compared to these broads. Who wouldn't love to see Obama take office with one of these legends from the 90's?
Tonya Harding. You get in her way, she'll break your kneecaps.
Amy Fisher. Mess with her, she'll shoot your wife in the face. Seriously.
Lorena Bobbit. 'Nuff said.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Friedman on Obama's Jewish Quandry
A great column from Mr. Friedman in this weekend's NYT. Here's a snippet, but you should read the whole piece:
"If Israel is your voting priority, then at least ask the right questions about Mr. Obama. Knock off the churlish whispering campaign about what’s in his heart on Israel (what was in Richard Nixon’s heart?) and focus first on what kind of America you think he’d build and second on whether you believe that as president he’d have the smarts, steel and cunning to seize a historic opportunity if it arises."
"If Israel is your voting priority, then at least ask the right questions about Mr. Obama. Knock off the churlish whispering campaign about what’s in his heart on Israel (what was in Richard Nixon’s heart?) and focus first on what kind of America you think he’d build and second on whether you believe that as president he’d have the smarts, steel and cunning to seize a historic opportunity if it arises."
My Fantasy Come to Life
"A trailer loaded with 14 tons of double-stuffed Oreos has overturned, spilling the cookies still in their plastic sleeves into the median and roadway... both lanes of traffic remain closed while authorities remove the cookies."
That has only happened in my dreams...
Read all about it here.
That has only happened in my dreams...
Read all about it here.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Let's Get Married In Malibu
"SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- The California Supreme Court has overturned a ban on gay marriage, paving the way for California to become the second state where gay and lesbian residents can marry.
The justices released the 4-3 decision Thursday, saying that domestic partnerships are not a good enough substitute for marriage in an opinion written by Chief Justice Ron George.
The cases were brought by the city of San Francisco, two dozen gay and lesbian couples, Equality California and another gay rights group in March 2004 after the court halted San Francisco's monthlong same-sex wedding march that took place at Mayor Gavin Newsom's direction."
-AP
The justices released the 4-3 decision Thursday, saying that domestic partnerships are not a good enough substitute for marriage in an opinion written by Chief Justice Ron George.
The cases were brought by the city of San Francisco, two dozen gay and lesbian couples, Equality California and another gay rights group in March 2004 after the court halted San Francisco's monthlong same-sex wedding march that took place at Mayor Gavin Newsom's direction."
-AP
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The End of Polar Bears?
This is pretty depressing. Brace yourselves."The Interior Department has decided to protect the polar bear as a threatened species because of the decline in Arctic sea ice from global warming, officials said Wednesday...
The department, in deciding to list the bear as threatened, will cite studies by its own scientists that the decline of Arctic sea ice off Alaska and Canada could result in two-thirds of the polar bears disappearing by mid-century, said federal officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision had not been announced.
This is the first time that the Endangered Species Act has been used to protect a species threatened by the impacts of global warming."
-H. Josef Herbert, AP
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
18 Suicides Daily
This article comes from John Koopman of the SF Chronicle; I've included some choice moments below. While I imagine most everyone who reads my blog is against the war in Iraq, this article really got to me. 18 veterans on average are committing suicide each day upon returning from war? That's not acceptable. It's just not. I'm going to look into what civilians like us can be doing to help soldiers returning to a hostile country from a hostile war. But doing nothing is not an option.
"The number of veterans who commit suicide is growing, and it is causing major concern among veterans groups and lawmakers. A recent report by CBS News, now supported by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, indicates that an average of 18 veterans commit suicide every day nationwide.
In California in 2006, 666 veterans committed suicide - 21 percent of the 3,198 suicides that year, according to the California Department of Public Health. Yet that year, the 2.1 million veterans in the state represented only 6 percent of the state's 37.1 million residents.
The suicide figures among veterans have caught congressional attention. Two senators have demanded the resignation of Ira Katz, the VA official who wrote "Shh" at the top of the e-mail dealing with suicide attempts and disputed the statistics in public testimony while confirming them in internal documents. A House committee has scheduled a hearing on veterans' suicides this week.
But testimony in a lawsuit - brought by veterans groups seeking an order to force the VA to promptly screen and treat those at risk of suicide and set timetables for handling claims for medical benefits - indicated there was evidence that returning troops are taking their own lives in greater numbers. Witnesses and plaintiffs said there has been a steady increase in the veterans' suicide rate since 2001, and a comparatively high rate among veterans ages 20 to 24. The suit was heard by federal District Court Judge Samuel Conti, who has yet to make a ruling.
During the trial, witnesses testified the suicide rate for those veterans was anywhere from two to 7.5 times the rate among the general population.
The causes for this increase in veterans' suicide rates aren't well understood, but mental-health professionals say the biggest problem is post-traumatic stress disorder. The ailment, better-known as PTSD, is thought to afflict up to 30 percent of the troops who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Romeo Horvath returned from Iraq with a bad case of PTSD, and while he is not suicidal, he said, that's not uncommon even in Iraq.
A military police officer, Horvath was on watch in a guard tower one night and heard a gunshot from within the compound. Over the radio, someone announced that a Marine had just shot himself.
'A lot of people get this feeling of helplessness,' he said. 'Some guy has a girlfriend, and she's cheating on him. Can't call home, can't go try to work things out. You just sit there and think about it over and over again. You can go crazy'."
You can also read this effective column on Huffington Post by James Boyce.
"The number of veterans who commit suicide is growing, and it is causing major concern among veterans groups and lawmakers. A recent report by CBS News, now supported by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, indicates that an average of 18 veterans commit suicide every day nationwide.
In California in 2006, 666 veterans committed suicide - 21 percent of the 3,198 suicides that year, according to the California Department of Public Health. Yet that year, the 2.1 million veterans in the state represented only 6 percent of the state's 37.1 million residents.
The suicide figures among veterans have caught congressional attention. Two senators have demanded the resignation of Ira Katz, the VA official who wrote "Shh" at the top of the e-mail dealing with suicide attempts and disputed the statistics in public testimony while confirming them in internal documents. A House committee has scheduled a hearing on veterans' suicides this week.
But testimony in a lawsuit - brought by veterans groups seeking an order to force the VA to promptly screen and treat those at risk of suicide and set timetables for handling claims for medical benefits - indicated there was evidence that returning troops are taking their own lives in greater numbers. Witnesses and plaintiffs said there has been a steady increase in the veterans' suicide rate since 2001, and a comparatively high rate among veterans ages 20 to 24. The suit was heard by federal District Court Judge Samuel Conti, who has yet to make a ruling.
During the trial, witnesses testified the suicide rate for those veterans was anywhere from two to 7.5 times the rate among the general population.
The causes for this increase in veterans' suicide rates aren't well understood, but mental-health professionals say the biggest problem is post-traumatic stress disorder. The ailment, better-known as PTSD, is thought to afflict up to 30 percent of the troops who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Romeo Horvath returned from Iraq with a bad case of PTSD, and while he is not suicidal, he said, that's not uncommon even in Iraq.
A military police officer, Horvath was on watch in a guard tower one night and heard a gunshot from within the compound. Over the radio, someone announced that a Marine had just shot himself.
'A lot of people get this feeling of helplessness,' he said. 'Some guy has a girlfriend, and she's cheating on him. Can't call home, can't go try to work things out. You just sit there and think about it over and over again. You can go crazy'."
You can also read this effective column on Huffington Post by James Boyce.
Natural Disasters
Cyclones in Mynamar? Tornadoes in the Mid-West? Earthquakes in China? Wildfires in Florida?
Having trouble keeping track of all the natural disasters? I know I am? Here's a brief summary from HuffPo.
Having trouble keeping track of all the natural disasters? I know I am? Here's a brief summary from HuffPo.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
My Mother, The Pundit
Who better to assess last night than my mother, the snarky Brooklyn-born, Brooklyn-educated lawyer who once wore a tiny gold hangar around her neck to show her pro-choice support.
"I am so sick of hearing that Hillary's base is this blue-collar white working class voter. That's not her base! Those are just people who won't vote for a black man. What do blue collar, factory-working white men have in common with this fat woman lawyer in polyester pantsuits? They have more in common with your dog, Zeke."
Out of the mouths of smart, well-educated women lawyers...
"I am so sick of hearing that Hillary's base is this blue-collar white working class voter. That's not her base! Those are just people who won't vote for a black man. What do blue collar, factory-working white men have in common with this fat woman lawyer in polyester pantsuits? They have more in common with your dog, Zeke."
Out of the mouths of smart, well-educated women lawyers...
Monday, May 5, 2008
Say Cheese, Fritzl!
Anyone else as obsessed with this story as I am? This article in the Daily Mail by Julie Moult is the most comprehensive I've read yet. Here are some choice quotes, for your, well, I won't say amusement, because this is a sad story, so how about, for our collective perverse curiosity: For the first nine months of her 24 years in captivity, she was also tethered with a 5ft dog leash around her neck to prevent her escape
For the first nine years, he imprisoned her in a grim 15ft by 15ft box room which had a makeshift toilet in one corner. She told police that Fritzl forced her to help drag a 600lb concrete and steel door into position to seal the dungeon. It was only when it was in place that she discovered she had helped to build her own prison.
Fritzl finally agreed to expand the cellar - again with Elisabeth's help - after she had given birth to two of his children. He forced her to dig out the chambers by hand, working for hours at a time. The process took nearly a decade.
Austrian police said the air inside the inner chambers was so stifling they have been forced to drill holes to allow investigators to breathe.
Fritzl is said to be obsessively watching TV reports about the incarceration and abuse of his daughter from his isolated cell.
In police interviews, Elisabeth said that at the start she had fought against the imprisonment, banging on the walls and screaming until she could no longer speak, but no one had come as the weeks turned into months, and the years into decades.
Friday, May 2, 2008
This Woman is a Lesbian
Crystal Dixon has been placed on leave by the University of Toledo (Yes! Yay! Good job!) for writing an article in the local press in which she states, "As a Black woman who happens to be an alumnus of the University of Toledo's Graduate School, an employee and business owner, I take great umbrage at the notion that those choosing the homosexual lifestyle are "civil rights victims." Here's why. I cannot wake up tomorrow and not be a Black woman. I am genetically and biologically a Black woman and very pleased to be so as my Creator intended. Daily, thousands of homosexuals make a life decision to leave the gay lifestyle evidenced by the growing population of PFOX (Parents and Friends of Ex Gays) and Exodus International just to name a few. Frequently, the individuals report that the impetus to their change of heart and lifestyle was a transformative experience with God; a realization that their choice of same-sex practices wreaked havoc in their psychological and physical lives."
-Crystal Dixon, Toledo Free Press
Ok, where to begin. Let's just focus on that first part. But first, what the fuck does your being a business owner have to do with gay people deserving equal rights? I don't really get that, but I'm glad you got a master's degree from some shitty school in what might be the shittiest city in America.
Sorry. I don't mean to judge. But you're sure doing a lot of judging Crystal, aren't you? And Jesus didn't give you the name Crystal, your Mom did, so maybe you could pass along a message from me: Crystal is a name for morons and strippers. I take it you're not the latter, so...
Although, with all that make-up on (severe purple eye shadow, and tons of lipstick, which, white or black, no woman is born with blood red lips. I'm pretty sure your creator didn't intend for you to look like that. If he did, he would have made you that way), maybe you do like to strip. In which case, ew.
Seriously, what is it with these evangelical wing-nuts who blame their beastliness on their creator? He made you, first of all, naked, and you're wearing clothes, so take those off. Actually, please don't. Ew. He made you without blonde highlights, I'm pretty sure. Did he also make you a close-minded bitch?
Because if you're going to argue that it's sinful to deviate from the norm of the creator, then you don't get to pick and choose which norms are more important than others.
But what this all boils down to, after a lot of reflection is this: Crystal Dixon is a closet-case lesbian. How do I know? Check out that photo. No sister I know would ever wear a mullet like that (and let it be PUBLISHED in a NEWSPAPER!) if she wasn't muff-diving on the side, or at the very least, in her heart of hearts.
Go beaver go!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
May I Sniff Your Chair?
An Australian politician is in trouble for smelling the chair of his female colleague after she stood up. I love politics.Read more here.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
What Do Y'All Make of This?
The Republicans are now ignoring Clinton, not mentioning her in ads or responding to her attacks. Do they just assume Obama is the presumptive nominee, so they don't want to waste their time and resources? That seems too easy, doesn't it? Plus, the longer this fight drags on, the better for them, so why wouldn't they want to keep Clinton in as long as possible?
Do they actually hope Clinton wins the nomination, so they're trying to bring down Obama for her, and ultimately, their benefit? Perhaps.
Here's a snippet from an article on Politico.
"From top to bottom, from McCain down to the youthful campaign and party staffers who work nearly around the clock to get him elected, the working assumption seems to be that the Democratic contest is over and Obama has won.
Even when Clinton attacks McCain, President Bush or GOP policies, the response is either outright silence or snarky, dismissive ridicule about a failed campaign barely relevant enough to merit a response.
“With ads like that, it’s more likely the call at 3 a.m. is ‘Senator, you just lost another superdelegate,’” quipped McCain adviser Steve Schmidt earlier this month when Clinton aired a version of her “3 a.m.” ad attacking McCain on the economy.
In one revealing glimpse into Republican thinking, when McCain quickly hit back with an ad of his own parroting the genre, he incorporated Barack Obama’s name into the response and spent little money airing it.
Clinton, it seems, has been erased from the picture, Soviet-style. Republicans mostly act like she doesn’t exist—an unusual turn of events considering her run of big-state victories..."
-Jonathan Martin, Politico.com
Do they actually hope Clinton wins the nomination, so they're trying to bring down Obama for her, and ultimately, their benefit? Perhaps.
Here's a snippet from an article on Politico.
"From top to bottom, from McCain down to the youthful campaign and party staffers who work nearly around the clock to get him elected, the working assumption seems to be that the Democratic contest is over and Obama has won.
Even when Clinton attacks McCain, President Bush or GOP policies, the response is either outright silence or snarky, dismissive ridicule about a failed campaign barely relevant enough to merit a response.
“With ads like that, it’s more likely the call at 3 a.m. is ‘Senator, you just lost another superdelegate,’” quipped McCain adviser Steve Schmidt earlier this month when Clinton aired a version of her “3 a.m.” ad attacking McCain on the economy.
In one revealing glimpse into Republican thinking, when McCain quickly hit back with an ad of his own parroting the genre, he incorporated Barack Obama’s name into the response and spent little money airing it.
Clinton, it seems, has been erased from the picture, Soviet-style. Republicans mostly act like she doesn’t exist—an unusual turn of events considering her run of big-state victories..."
-Jonathan Martin, Politico.com
Friday, April 25, 2008
Frank O'Hara
Today's poem is by the late great New York poetic chronicler, Frank O'Hara. This is the first time I've looked at this particular poem. It's tough, but rather haunting, too, and I just love the way he writes. Hope you do, too.
Alone at night
in the wet city
the country's wit
is not memorable.
The wind has blown
all the trees down
but these anxieties
remain erect, being
the heart's deliberate
chambers of hurt
and fear whether
from a green apartment
seeming diamonds or
from an airliner
seeming fields. It's
not simple or tidy
though in rows of
rows and numbered;
the literal drifts
colorfully and
the hair is combed
with bridges, all
compromises leap
to stardom and lights.
If alone I am
able to love it,
the serious voices,
the panic of jobs,
it is sweet to me.
Far from burgeoning
verdure, the hard way
in this street.
1951
by Frank O'Hara
Alone at night
in the wet city
the country's wit
is not memorable.
The wind has blown
all the trees down
but these anxieties
remain erect, being
the heart's deliberate
chambers of hurt
and fear whether
from a green apartment
seeming diamonds or
from an airliner
seeming fields. It's
not simple or tidy
though in rows of
rows and numbered;
the literal drifts
colorfully and
the hair is combed
with bridges, all
compromises leap
to stardom and lights.
If alone I am
able to love it,
the serious voices,
the panic of jobs,
it is sweet to me.
Far from burgeoning
verdure, the hard way
in this street.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Pablo Neruda
A love poem for Thursday, by Neruda.
I do not love you except because I love you;
I go from loving to not loving you,
From waiting to not waiting for you
My heart moves from cold to fire.
I love you only because it's you the one I love;
I hate you deeply, and hating you
Bend to you, and the measure of my changing love for you
Is that I do not see you but love you blindly.
Maybe January light will consume
My heart with its cruel
Ray, stealing my key to true calm.
In this part of the story I am the one who
Dies, the only one, and I will die of love because I love you,
Because I love you, Love, in fire and blood.
I Do Not Love You Except Because I Love You
by Pablo Neruda
I do not love you except because I love you;
I go from loving to not loving you,
From waiting to not waiting for you
My heart moves from cold to fire.
I love you only because it's you the one I love;
I hate you deeply, and hating you
Bend to you, and the measure of my changing love for you
Is that I do not see you but love you blindly.
Maybe January light will consume
My heart with its cruel
Ray, stealing my key to true calm.
In this part of the story I am the one who
Dies, the only one, and I will die of love because I love you,
Because I love you, Love, in fire and blood.
To Be Gay and Eight, In Bahrain
The Gulf Daily News is reporting that Bahrain is trying to rid its nation of homosexuals (not yet holocaust-style, but stay tuned). Here's a snipet:
"SCHOOL students could soon be spied on under a campaign to stamp out homosexuality, under demands made by MPs yesterday...
MPs also called for regular inspections to root out homosexuals at massage parlours, health clubs and hair salons.
It also called for monitoring in schools and for pupils who veer towards homosexuality to be punished."
Just what a confused gay 8 year old in the Middle East needs...
"SCHOOL students could soon be spied on under a campaign to stamp out homosexuality, under demands made by MPs yesterday...
MPs also called for regular inspections to root out homosexuals at massage parlours, health clubs and hair salons.
It also called for monitoring in schools and for pupils who veer towards homosexuality to be punished."
Just what a confused gay 8 year old in the Middle East needs...
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
William Carlos Williams
Today I bring you some William Carlos Williams.
The Last Words of My English Grandmother
There were some dirty platesand a glass of milk
beside her on a small table
near the rank, disheveled bed--
Wrinkled and nearly blind
she lay and snored
rousing with anger in her tones
to cry for food,
Gimme something to eat--
They're starving me--
I'm all right--I won't go
to the hospital. No, no, no
Give me something to eat!
Let me take you
to the hospital, I said
and after you are well
you can do as you please.
She smiled, Yes
you do what you please first
then I can do what I please--
Oh, oh, oh! she cried
as the ambulance men lifted
her to the stretcher--
Is this what you call
making me comfortable?
By now her mind was clear--
Oh you think you're smart
you young people,
she said, but I'll tell you
you don't know anything.
Then we started.
On the way
we passed a long row
of elms. She looked at them
awhile out of
the ambulance window and said,
What are all those
fuzzy looking things out there?
Trees? Well, I'm tired
of them and rolled her head away.
The Last Words of My English Grandmother
by William Carlos Williams
There were some dirty plates
beside her on a small table
near the rank, disheveled bed--
Wrinkled and nearly blind
she lay and snored
rousing with anger in her tones
to cry for food,
Gimme something to eat--
They're starving me--
I'm all right--I won't go
to the hospital. No, no, no
Give me something to eat!
Let me take you
to the hospital, I said
and after you are well
you can do as you please.
She smiled, Yes
you do what you please first
then I can do what I please--
Oh, oh, oh! she cried
as the ambulance men lifted
her to the stretcher--
Is this what you call
making me comfortable?
By now her mind was clear--
Oh you think you're smart
you young people,
she said, but I'll tell you
you don't know anything.
Then we started.
On the way
we passed a long row
of elms. She looked at them
awhile out of
the ambulance window and said,
What are all those
fuzzy looking things out there?
Trees? Well, I'm tired
of them and rolled her head away.
On Bulldozers
I want you to look very carefully at this photo of Hillary Clinton's victory speech last night in Philadelphia. Maybe it's hard to see; a larger, clearer pic can be seen here.Hillary won this primary because of seniors (she won them 63-37) and white women (66-34). Obama won African-Americans by 9-1.
So Hillary's celebratory crowd should have been very white, and skewed older... but it doesn't. Look at this photo. It's Obama's demographic. This is an overwhelmingly young, multi-cultural crowd.Hillary won fair and square, but these photos present an image that is a lie. She should be surrounded by white people, mostly women, much older than the attractive, enthusiastic twenty-somethings standing behind her.
It begs the question, do the American people really want another President who lies to us?
In what is probably her most famous quip from last night, Hillary said, "You know, some people counted me out and said to drop out. But the American people don't quit and they deserve a president who doesn't quit, either."
I think that statement, combined with the photos ripped from the "Wag the Dog" playbook, perfectly sum up the kind of presidency we can expect from HRC, which would not be a return to Clinton theatrics, but a continuation of Bush Bulldozing.
Clinton's dogged pursuit of the presidency is starting to feel like Bush's dogged pursuit of the war in Iraq. There's no way Clinton wins her war, or Bush wins his, without engendering great hatred from vast swaths of the American public. In fact, nearly 70% of our nation disapprove of Bush and this war (or something outrageously high), and yet he soldiers on.
Is Bush not the very embodiment of a President who doesn't know when to quit? He bulldozes on because he fiercely believes in his vision for what the world needs. Despite the protests of so many nations, and so many in his own nation, he soldiers on... because Americans deserve a President who doesn't quit?
Well, Hillary, we've had almost 8 years of a President who doesn't quit. The last thing this country needs is four more years of a President who doesn't know when to quit, who soldiers on despite the great harm it will inflict on our nation, who gracelessly fights even when there is no way to win this battle without a lot of blood and a lot tragic loss, not the least of which would be the destruction of the Democratic party, and whose end result feels less like a victory than a supreme, aching loss.
Photos that reflect an alternate reality? Promises to never quit when winning fair and square has long since ceased to be an option? The fact is, the American people deserve a President who knows when to quit. We've had 8 years of the alternative, and the monstrous devastation can be seen throughout the world. Do we really, really need to be told that after 8 years of Bush, what we need is another prophet who knows better than we do what is best for us?
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Michael Ondaatje
The author of The English Patient, Michael Ondaatje, is also an accomplished poet. Enjoy this one, care of Knopf Poetry.
Griffin calls to come and kiss him goodnight
I yell ok. Finish something I'm doing,
then something else, walk slowly round
the corner to my son's room.
He is standing arms outstretched
waiting for a bearhug. Grinning.
Why do I give my emotion an animal's name,
give it that dark squeeze of death?
This is the hug which collects
all his small bones and his warm neck against me.
The thin tough body under the pyjamas
locks me like a magnet of blood.
How long was he standing there
like that, before I came?
Bearhug
by Michael Ondaatje
Griffin calls to come and kiss him goodnight
I yell ok. Finish something I'm doing,
then something else, walk slowly round
the corner to my son's room.
He is standing arms outstretched
waiting for a bearhug. Grinning.
Why do I give my emotion an animal's name,
give it that dark squeeze of death?
This is the hug which collects
all his small bones and his warm neck against me.
The thin tough body under the pyjamas
locks me like a magnet of blood.
How long was he standing there
like that, before I came?
Different Rules, Different Winner
Ok, I fucking LOVE this:
"Former President Bill Clinton, speaking to reporters after his wife’s event in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, said that under the republican primary system –- his wife would be ahead by hundreds of delegates.
"I did not actually get the delegates necessary to have a first power of the nomination under the crazy system the democrats have," Clinton said. "If we were under the republican system which is more like the electoral college, she would have a 300 delegate lead "
-Eloise Harper, ABC News
Right, Bill. That's right. If Hillary WERE A REPUBLICAN and running in the REPUBLICAN PARTY she would be winning.
And if Ice Hockey were played in a baseball stadium then the NY Rangers would skate on grass.
I mean, is he serious? Is he fucking SERIOUS?
Either his point is that middle-of-the-road, never take a risk Hillary should have run as a Republican, or simply, the Democratic primary's rules are unfair.
Boo fucking hoo.
If you don't want to play baseball, then go play hockey, but stand on second base and tell me you'd be winning if you had ice skates on.
"Former President Bill Clinton, speaking to reporters after his wife’s event in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, said that under the republican primary system –- his wife would be ahead by hundreds of delegates.
"I did not actually get the delegates necessary to have a first power of the nomination under the crazy system the democrats have," Clinton said. "If we were under the republican system which is more like the electoral college, she would have a 300 delegate lead "
-Eloise Harper, ABC News
Right, Bill. That's right. If Hillary WERE A REPUBLICAN and running in the REPUBLICAN PARTY she would be winning.
And if Ice Hockey were played in a baseball stadium then the NY Rangers would skate on grass.
I mean, is he serious? Is he fucking SERIOUS?
Either his point is that middle-of-the-road, never take a risk Hillary should have run as a Republican, or simply, the Democratic primary's rules are unfair.
Boo fucking hoo.
If you don't want to play baseball, then go play hockey, but stand on second base and tell me you'd be winning if you had ice skates on.
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